Common Name: Guabilla

General Information

Guabilla is a semi-deciduous tree with a flat or spreading crown; it can grow 5 - 15 metres tall. The bole is slightly contorted, fairly round, 25 - 50cm in diameter and usually branching from near the base[, , ].
The edible pulp surrounding the seeds is greatly enjoyed within its native range, where the fruit is commonly gathered from the wild, sometimes cultivated and often sold in local markets[, , ]. The tree is also used to provide shade in plantations and is widely grown as an ornamental, valued especially for its floral display[, ].
Inga marginata has a large geographical and altitudinal range and is considered to be common. The taxon is known to occur within the protected areas network and is not known to be subject to any major threatening processes at present. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Argentina and Brazil, north through Central America to Mexico.

Habitat

Moist forests, mainly along edges and in secondary formations[, , ]. Dry clearings or close to streams at elevations from 120 - 150 metres in Peru[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Tree
Height	12.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in a variety of habitats, elevations and climates from the subtropics to the tropics[].
Prefers a sunny position, though it is sometimes found in deeper shade[].
A fast-growing species[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. The fruit is a legume about 15cm long and 1cm wide, containing a very tasty pulp surrounding the seeds[].

Medicinal

The leaves are astringent[]. They are used to treat inflammations[].

An infusion of the bark is used as an antiseptic[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree is used to provide shade in coffee plantations[, ].
Inga species generally have a number of factors that make them popular for use as shade trees in coffee and cacao plantations:- they grow quickly and so soon make an effecte shade; they respond well to drastic pruning and so are easy to keep within the required size and shade levels; they promote and maintain soil fertility; they are effective soil stabilizers[].
A natural pioneer species within its native range, the plant is fast growing, yields an edible fruit that is much liked by the native wildlife, and also fixes atmospheric nitrogen. It has excellent potential for use as a pioneer species for re-establishing woodland[].

Other Uses

There is a thin layer of dark reddish-brown heartwood surrounded by a pale yellow or pinkish brown sapwood with darker brown striping. The wood is of medium texture, straight-grained, light to moderately heavy, soft, compact, and tenacious. It is fairly easy to work, takes a smooth, lustrous finish. It is probably durable, although liable to check in drying[, ]. It is occasionally used for low value items such as boxes[]. The wood is used for external works and general carpentry[].
The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal[, ].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe[]. Sow in a lightly shaded position in a nursery seedbed. A high rate of germination can be expected, with the seeds sprouting within a few days. Transplant the seedlings to individual containers when they have 4 - 6 leaves and they should be ready for planting out 4 - 5 months later[].

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